Latest Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) explanation + list query

The Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) is a unique two to four-letter identification code assigned to carriers operating in or into the United States. It plays a fundamental role in modern freight logistics, particularly in the documentation and automation of shipping-related data.

Originally developed by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association[1] (NMFTA) in the mid-1960s, the SCAC system was introduced to standardize carrier identification across the transport industry. The intention was to enable efficient processing of freight records and transactions-something that is even more vital today in an era of globalized supply chains and digitized logistics.

Each SCAC code corresponds to a specific carrier and is used to identify them consistently across various platforms and data systems. For example:

A code ending in "U" is typically used for shipping containers.
Codes ending in "X" are for privately owned rail cars.
Codes ending in "Z" represent intermodal chassis and trailers.

This concise yet powerful identifier is indispensable in a range of operational contexts-from customs declarations to electronic data interchange (EDI) systems.

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The SCAC code is an important tool for promoting the efficiency, compliance and transparency of logistics operations. It has the following important points:

A. Customs Recognition and Border Control

For international freight entering or exiting the U.S., the SCAC code is a mandatory requirement enforced by government agencies such as:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) – particularly within systems like AMS (Automated Manifest System) and ACE (Automated Commercial Environment).
FDA's PNSI (Prior Notice System Interface) – for tracking imported food shipments.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) – for safety and carrier classification.

Without a valid SCAC, customs officials cannot process shipment data, leading to potential detentions, delays, or even penalties.

B. EDI Integration

In today's highly digital logistics networks, EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) is the backbone of communication between shippers, carriers, and third-party logistics providers. SCAC codes serve as standardized keys that allow systems to:

Match carriers to shipments
Auto-fill transport documents
Trigger real-time updates and tracking events

This reduces manual data input and eliminates inconsistencies between partners.

C. Critical Role in Shipping Documentation

The SCAC code is consistently required on documents such as:

Bills of Lading
Freight Invoices
Packing Lists
Proof of Delivery (POD)
Purchase Orders

Without SCAC integration, these documents can be rejected or flagged by downstream systems, slowing down the shipment lifecycle.

D. Industry-Wide Application

Though originally associated with U.S. trucking, SCAC codes are now used across various sectors:

Ocean Freight and VOCCs (Vessel Operating Common Carriers)
Airlines and Air Cargo Services
Railroad Freight Operations
Multimodal Interchange Agreements (e.g., UIIA)
Petroleum and Chemical Transport
Timber and Forestry Logistics

As a result, SCAC compliance isn't just about legality-it's about seamless integration within the entire transport ecosystem.

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A. Who Must Have a SCAC Code?

Any carrier, non-vessel operating common carrier (NVOCC), freight forwarder or logistics company that transports goods into, out of or within the United States is required to have a SCAC code. In addition, including cooperation with US government agencies and participation in EDI or customs declaration systems, it is usually necessary to have an SCAC code.

This includes companies operating in:

Ocean shipping
Domestic trucking (TL/LTL)
Rail transport
Air freight
Cross-border logistics between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico

Even third-party logistics providers (3PLs) and customs brokers may need SCAC registration depending on their operational structure.

B. Is It Mandatory?

Yes-in most regulatory and commercial contexts, SCAC is not optional. It is enforced through federal systems like CBP and is embedded in operational standards across the logistics industry.

That said, SCAC codes are not used for containers or equipment not based in North America. For instance:

Privately owned rail cars (denoted by "X" endings) operate under separate identifiers.
Global containers used outside the U.S. are tracked via BIC codes, issued by the Bureau International des Containers (France).

C. Risks of Operating Without a SCAC

Operating without a valid SCAC code exposes carriers to:

Customs clearance delays
Rejected documentation
Suspension from UIIA interchange agreements
Disqualification from government tenders

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Applying for a SCAC code is relatively straightforward, but precision is crucial. Here's a breakdown of the key steps:

A. Eligibility

Carrier (domestic or international)
Freight forwarder
Third-party logistics provider
Broker (depending on EDI or U.S. customs involvement)

B. Required Information

Legal business name and contact details
Type of service provided (e.g., trucking, ocean freight)
FMCSA identifiers if applicable (such as DOT, MC, MX, or FF number)

C. Application Process

Submit your application online via the NMFTA website.
Pay the processing fee (usually around $86 USD).
Receive your code within 24–48 hours during business days.

Once issued, your code becomes immediately usable in customs filings and partner systems.

D. Renewal Requirements

SCAC codes are valid for one year and must be renewed annually. NMFTA usually sends renewal notices ahead of expiration.

Failure to renew can result in:

Immediate removal from NMFTA's active directory
Customs and EDI processing failures
Business disruptions due to invalidation of your carrier identity

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SCAC codes are composed of two to four alphabetic characters, but they're not assigned randomly. There is a subtle logic behind certain letter patterns, especially the final character, which often reveals the type of entity or equipment being identified.

Special Suffix Indicators

Codes ending with "X" typically refer to privately owned rail cars. These are not part of a common carrier fleet and are often operated by large shippers or leasing companies.
Codes ending in "U" are reserved for container identification in multimodal shipping. For example, a 40-foot ocean container from Maersk might be tracked under a container number starting with the SCAC code "MAEU".
Codes ending in "Z" refer to intermodal chassis and trailers, which are key assets in port drayage and rail transfer operations.

Example SCAC Codes

Here are some recognizable SCAC codes in active use:

APLU – American President Lines, a major ocean carrier
COSU – COSCO Shipping, representing the China Ocean Shipping Company
MSCU – Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), one of the world's largest container shipping lines
HLCU – Hapag-Lloyd, a prominent global container carrier
CMDU – CMA CGM, headquartered in France and operating worldwide

Each of these codes appears on documents like Bills of Lading and shipment tracking records, acting as a digital fingerprint for the carrier involved.

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Official Sources

The most authoritative source for SCAC codes is the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA). Their online portal provides access to a comprehensive, regularly updated SCAC database . Users can:

Search by carrier name
Lookup codes by abbreviation
Download lists by subscription (daily or quarterly updates)

Another tool is SCAC Online, a commercial platform that aggregates SCAC lookup services and integrates them with other logistics databases.

Query Methods

You can search for a SCAC code via:

Web Interface: Public-facing lookup portals (some require paid access)
EDI/API Integration: For enterprise systems that automate code validation and shipment tracking
Direct Email Requests: For organizations that subscribe to updates or require bulk downloads for internal use

Carrier Name	SCAC Code
Maersk Line	MAEU
MSC (Mediterranean Shipping)	MSCU
COSCO Container Lines	COSU
Evergreen Marine Corp.	EGLV
Hapag-Lloyd	HLCU
ZIM Integrated Shipping	ZIMU
OOCL (Orient Overseas)	OOLU
CMA CGM	CMDU

These are just a few examples. There are thousands of SCAC codes in circulation, covering everything from small regional trucking firms to global vessel operators.

What Is EDI?

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) refers to the digital exchange of structured documents between business systems. In logistics, EDI enables seamless coordination among carriers, shippers, customs brokers, and third-party platforms.

Common EDI Documents

BOL (Bill of Lading) – Transport contract and shipment receipt
Invoice – Billing details for freight charges
PO (Purchase Order) – Order placement confirmation
POD (Proof of Delivery) – Evidence that the goods arrived
Manifest and Declaration Forms – Used in customs compliance

The Role of SCAC in Automation

SCAC codes are embedded in EDI templates as identifiers for the carrier handling the freight. Without these codes:

Systems cannot match shipment data across organizations
Customs platforms may reject the documents
Status updates become inconsistent or delayed

Proper SCAC usage allows platforms to auto-process shipping events, allocate charges accurately, and keep all stakeholders informed in real time.

Real-World Example

Imagine a U.S. importer using an automated freight management system. When their Chinese supplier books a shipment with COSCO (SCAC: COSU), this code:

Appears on the BOL
Triggers container tracking updates as the cargo moves
Is referenced by U.S. Customs via ACE system
Is used again for final delivery paperwork and invoice

This end-to-end integration would not be possible-or at least not efficient-without SCAC codes enabling machine-to-machine consistency.

The SCAC code is more than a regulatory requirement-it's a linchpin of operational efficiency, traceability, and digital integration. It enables carriers and logistics providers to:

Meet customs and EDI compliance standards
Maintain clean, standardized shipment records
Eliminate manual data errors
Enhance communication with clients and government agencies

As freight continues to digitize, SCAC compliance is no longer optional-it's a prerequisite for smooth, connected logistics workflows.

Whether you're a multinational carrier or a regional freight broker, having a valid SCAC-and maintaining it properly-is essential to your ability to compete in the modern global supply chain.

Q1: What happens if I don't have a SCAC code?

Without a SCAC, your shipments may be delayed at customs, rejected by EDI systems, or flagged by government platforms like ACE. It can also limit your ability to partner with shippers or participate in interchange agreements.

Q2: What's the difference between SCAC and BIC codes?

SCAC codes are used within North America to identify carriers. BIC codes, issued by the Bureau International des Containers, identify shipping containers globally, especially those moving outside North America.

Q3: My company operates outside the U.S.-do I still need a SCAC?

If your operations involve crossing into or out of the United States, or if you're working with U.S.-based partners via EDI, then yes, you'll need a SCAC. Otherwise, it may not be necessary.

Q4: How can I verify whether a SCAC code is valid?

You can check through the NMFTA's online portal, or use third-party platforms that provide SCAC validation tools. Subscription-based APIs are also available for automated systems.

Q5: Can two companies use the same SCAC code?

No. Each SCAC code is uniquely assigned to a single entity. Reuse or duplication is not permitted. If two divisions of a company operate separately, each may require its own SCAC.

Zhejiang Wilson Supply Chain Management Co., Ltd. It is a reliable Chinese freight forwarder with over ten years of global freight operation experience. Wilson was established in July 2011, specializing in Sea freight , air freightand land transportation, providing a full range of services, including international freight forwarding, supply chain management, chemical logistics, project cargo and special container solutions.

With a well-established global network and long-term partnerships with customs authorities, port operators, major airlines and shipping companies, Wilson is committed to providing global customers with competitive prices and outstanding services. Our in-depth industry knowledge and outstanding operational capabilities enable us to simplify even the most complex logistics challenges.

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